Political Motorcades are Leaving a Trail of Deaths on Kenyan Roads

A version of this article appeared on Nation.Africa.

Political motorcades and campaign convoys continue to trigger fatal crashes across Kenya. Drivers in these groups often speed, overtake dangerously and ignore basic traffic rules. The pattern has left families grieving and raised fresh questions about accountability on public roads.

One incident occurred on March 13, 2025. A vehicle in President William Ruto’s motorcade struck and killed British national Edgar Riches.

The 79-year-old was crossing Ngong Road in Nairobi at a pedestrian crossing near Adams Arcade. He suffered head and chest injuries and died at the scene. Vehicles in the convoy, including an ambulance, did not stop. The driver of the Toyota Prado involved later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and received a Sh100,000 fine.

A United Kingdom coroner later ruled that Riches was lawfully crossing when the government vehicle hit him. The driver had continued at high speed after the impact. Riches was a retired bank manager and charity worker visiting relatives in Kenya.

Another crash happened on March 8 this year. A vehicle in Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s convoy collided with a 14-seater matatu and a tuk-tuk at Otonglo on the Kisumu-Busia highway. Three people died. One was declared dead on arrival at hospital while two others succumbed later. Several more sustained injuries. Duale had attended a presidential function in Siaya and was heading to Kisumu International Airport at the time. Witnesses pointed to speeding as a factor.

On July 3, a supporter in a Linda Mwananchi convoy died after falling from a moving vehicle. Vincent Osiemo, known as Mapinduzi, suffered severe head injuries during an attack by goons on the Kisii-Keroka road. The convoy came under assault with stones and clubs at Keumbu market. Osiemo was rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital but did not survive.

A separate accident took place on July 5. An escort vehicle in President Ruto’s convoy hit a lorry at Mutunduri on the Embu-Meru Highway. Several people were injured. Ruto was on his way to a church service in Embu County. Witnesses again cited excessive speed.

The latest case happened last Saturday. A Toyota Prado linked to a Linda Mwananchi politician rolled on the Sibanga-Kitale road in Trans Nzoia County. Several supporters who had been hanging onto the vehicle suffered injuries. Three sustained serious harm. The politicians in the convoy continued their activities unharmed.

The National Transport and Safety Authority has publicly warned against such behaviour. NTSA Director-General Nashon Kondiwa stated that motorists in political convoys must obey speed limits and stop dangerous manoeuvres. Those violating rules risk licence loss and other sanctions. The agency singled out the practice of supporters hanging onto moving vehicles.

The National Police Service echoed the call. Spokesperson Michael Muchiri Nyaga said no one is above the law. He urged caution as elections approach and emphasised that speeding and obstruction by convoys remain illegal.

These incidents fit a wider pattern. Political activity ahead of next year’s General Election has increased convoy movements. Supporters often overload vehicles or cling to exteriors. Drivers push through traffic with little regard for other users. The result has been avoidable loss of life and public anger.

Road safety agencies continue to document the problem. Yet enforcement remains inconsistent. Fines in the few cases that reach court have drawn criticism as too lenient. Families of victims and ordinary motorists now demand stricter measures to curb the impunity.

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